DUI and Child Endangerment

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in every state, but in Pennsylvania, the situation becomes much more serious if a child is in the vehicle. What might usually be a misdemeanor charge escalates to a felony when a minor is involved, resulting in the additional offense of child endangerment. This separate charge comes with its own set of harsh penalties. If you find yourself facing these allegations in Dauphin County, seeking the guidance of a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer is essential.

Consequences of a DUI With Child Endangerment Charges

A criminal conviction can have devastating effects on your life, particularly for working professionals. It can lead to disciplinary hearings, the loss of professional licenses, and even immediate termination from your job. If a license suspension prevents you from driving to work, or if your employer has a strict policy regarding criminal charges, your livelihood is at risk.

The situation worsens significantly when child endangerment charges are added to the mix. This is especially true if your profession involves working with children. In some cases, a conviction could permanently bar you from working in specific fields. You should consult with a Harrisburg DUI attorney to understand how these charges might affect careers such as:

• Sports coaches
• Daycare workers
• Bus drivers
• Teachers

Furthermore, if the child involved in the incident is your own, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth, and Families will likely initiate an investigation. This could trigger a prolonged and painful legal battle to retain custody of your child and their siblings.

DUI With Child Endangerment Penalties

Pennsylvania enforces stringent laws regarding driving under the influence when a minor is involved. The penalties escalate based on prior offenses:

• First-time offenders: You may face 100 hours of community service and a fine of $1,000 or more.
• Second-time offenders: Mandatory jail time of one to six months is required, along with a fine of at least $2,500.
• Third or subsequent convictions: These can result in a prison term of six months to two years.

It is important to note that these penalties are in addition to standard DUI consequences. You will likely be burdened with the installation and cost of an ignition interlock device. This requires you to provide a breath sample every time you start your vehicle. You also face substantial fines, potential jail time, and lost wages. To fight these compounded charges, you need a defense team with the expertise typically found in a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer, capable of handling high-stakes litigation.

Standard penalties may also include a complete license suspension, forcing you to rely on friends, family, or public transit for all your transportation needs.

Navigating the Legal System

Navigating the complex DUI laws and court system in Dauphin County can be overwhelming. However, you do not have to face it alone. By hiring a knowledgeable Harrisburg DUI attorney, you can greatly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Attempting to represent yourself will likely lead to harsher penalties and unfavorable results. Your chosen attorney will need all the facts to mount a robust defense, so do not hesitate to confide in them and provide thorough details about the incident.

If you are currently charged with DUI and child endangerment, consider seeking assistance from Logue Law Group. They serve Harrisburg, as well as West Virginia and Ohio. Contact them today for a free initial consultation at 412-387-6901. Alternatively, you can reach out to them through their website.

Remember, time is of the essence. The sooner you secure legal representation—ideally someone with the tenacity of a Harrisburg federal criminal lawyer—the better your chances of achieving the positive outcome you desire and deserve. Don’t delay; act now to protect your rights.